Benihana SWOT Analysis, Competitors & USP

Benihana Inc

Restaurants

Food & Beverages

At Benihana, it's not just a meal, it's an experience

Japanese Steakhouse  - theme and sushi dining

People looking for fine dining , authentic and traditional Japanese food

Upper middle class and business professionals

Japanese theme and sushi dining

Below are the Strengths in the SWOT Analysis of Benihana:

1. Strong brand name –charge a premium for products

2. hibachi tables with well-trained chefs cooking in front of customers

3. Limited menu, which resulted in reduction of food storage and wastage costs
4. Market Leader in Japanese theme and sushi dining with approx 100 restaurants in over 20+ countries

5. Over 5000 people are employed with the brand worldwide

Here are the weaknesses in the Benihana SWOT Analysis:

1. The company’s small-cap status means it's growing from a much smaller installed base
2. Franchise model limits the level of authenticity, hence not 100% authentic in its food and connoisseurs of Japanese

Following are the Opportunities in Benihana SWOT Analysis:

1. Lower priced food could be sold at side tables to service people not interested in the show / pressed for time
2. Extend menu offerings

3. Global expansion in emerging economies as well as more advertigin to boost brand recall

The threats in the SWOT Analysis of Benihana are as mentioned:

1. Franchise model poses limitations of consistency of experience
2. Niche target market – sushi lovers means limited market

3. Unorganised market as well as growth of competitors

Below are the top 3 competitors of Benihana:

1. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.
2. The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
3. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.